Why 99% of Businesses Fail to Rank on Google My Business (And How You Can Join the Top 1%)
Google My Business (GMB) is a game-changer for local businesses. But here’s the hard truth: 99% of businesses never rank well on it. Why? Because they unknowingly make critical mistakes and still rely on outdated strategies that don’t work in 2025. Even worse, some of these actions can get your account penalized or banned.
But the good news? If you avoid these traps and implement the right strategies, you can join that top 1% of local businesses crushing local SEO.
Let’s break it down.
Category 1: Non-Negotiable Essentials for Google My Business SEO
These are the must-do steps. Skip these, and you’re already falling behind.
1. Complete Your GMB Profile 100%
This doesn’t mean just adding your business name, address, and number. It means every single detail Google allows you to input:
- Accurate business name
- Physical address
- Operating hours (including holidays)
- Phone number
- Photos & videos
- Business categories
- Products/services
Why it matters: Google needs to fully understand what your business is about. If key info is missing, it holds back your ranking.
Pro Tip: Fill out all sections under the “Info” tab, even optional ones. This shows Google you’re serious and trustworthy.
2. Embed Keywords in Reviews (Without Spamming)
You probably already ask customers for reviews. But here’s a smarter way to do it:
Ask them to mention specific services or locations naturally in their review.
Example:
“This is the best marketing agency in Annapolis! They really helped my startup grow.”
Notice how the keyword “best marketing agency in Annapolis” fits naturally. You don’t need every review like this—just a few can move the needle.
3. Ensure NAP Consistency Across All Platforms
NAP = Name, Address, Phone Number.
If these differ between your website, Facebook, Instagram, and GMB, Google flags your trustworthiness.
Real example: One business we worked with moved their office but forgot to update the address in their GMB profile. Rankings dropped. As soon as we corrected the inconsistency and reverified the location, rankings bounced back.
Keep your NAP consistent on every online platform. It’s not optional—it’s foundational.
Category 2: High-Impact Moves That Boost Rankings Fast
These steps aren’t mandatory but can quickly boost your visibility.
1. Stop Keyword Stuffing in Your Business Name
Some businesses add keywords to their GMB name like this:
“Vinsible – Best Digital Marketing Agency in Annapolis”
This is against Google’s Business Profile guidelines. It looks like keyword stuffing and risks account suspension.
Better approach? Use those keywords on your website landing page instead. For example, on your homepage header:
“Vinsible: Best Digital Marketing Agency in Annapolis”
This still signals relevance to Google without risking penalties.
2. Update Your GMB Weekly
Google rewards activity. Regular updates show that your business is active and engaged.
Post regularly using the “Updates” or “Posts” tab. You can share:
- New photos/videos
- Special offers
- Seasonal changes
- Event announcements
Think of your GMB like a mini social media channel. Keep it alive.
3. Ask for Reviews Consistently
Don’t stop at collecting a few reviews once. Make it an ongoing part of your process. Ask every satisfied customer for a review.
Why? Google favors businesses that get regular, recent reviews.
4. Integrate GMB Location on Your Website
Add an embedded map with your business location to your contact page. Also, add Local Business Schema to your site code for better indexing.
This improves your location authority and reinforces NAP consistency.
Category 3: Nice-To-Have Optimizations (But Worth Doing)
These aren’t mandatory but give you an edge.
1. Geo-Tag Your Images
Before uploading photos to GMB, use geo-tagging tools to embed location data into the file.
This adds more relevance for Google’s location-based search algorithm.
2. Link Social Media to GMB
Connect your Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages to your GMB profile.
Why? It increases credibility and trust. Google sees your business as more established when it’s connected across platforms.
Bonus Tip: Keep posting regularly on social too. It helps brand recognition and off-page SEO.
Category 4: Stop Doing These SEO Scams (They’ll Get You Banned)
1. Buying Fake Reviews
Yes, you can get 1,000 reviews for $10. But you’ll also get flagged.
Google can easily detect fake patterns. Once caught, you might lose your profile or never rank again.
2. Creating Fake Locations
Listing your business in cities where you don’t have an actual location? Big mistake.
If Google catches it (and they usually do), you’ll be penalized. Stick to verified, real-world addresses.
3. Buying Low-Quality Backlinks
Don’t fall for link-building scams. Backlinks from spammy or irrelevant sites do more harm than good.
Instead, focus on:
- Local business citations
- Industry-relevant directories
- Organic PR or guest posting
Google in 2025 is smarter than ever. Shortcuts no longer work. Smart, clean strategy is the only path.
Final Thoughts: From Invisible to Irresistible on Google My Business
If you follow the advice above, you’re already ahead of 99% of your competitors.
Here’s a quick checklist to guide your strategy:
✅ Non-Negotiables
Complete your profile, maintain NAP consistency, and get quality keyword-based reviews. These are the foundation of ranking on Google My Business—skip them and you won’t even be in the game.
✅ High Impact Moves
Don’t keyword-stuff your business name, post weekly, and collect reviews regularly. Add location schema and embed maps to connect GMB with your website. These steps speed up results if your basics are done right.
✅ Nice-to-Haves
Geo-tag your images and link your social accounts to boost credibility. These aren’t must-haves, but they give you that extra SEO edge.
🚫 Avoid These Scams
Paid reviews, fake locations, and spammy backlinks might promise quick wins—but they’ll get your profile suspended. Play clean, rank stronger.
By doing these right, you can genuinely optimise Google My Business and stand out as a local leader. Whether you’re in the U.S., India, or anywhere else—the formula is the same: smart SEO, real effort, no shortcuts.
Written by Qausain Anwar
Founder at www.branxhq.com
Helping honest businesses win with smarter local SEO
